Montreal Travel Guide

QUICK FACTS

Second largest city in Canada (after Toronto), with a population of 1.6 million.

Originally named Ville-Marie (City of Mary), it was named after Mount Royal – the triple peaked mountain in the heart of the city.

Once the industrial and financial capital of Canada, Montréal eventually lost the edge to Toronto in the late 20th century. Regardless, the city remains a cultural, technological, media and financial powerhouse (second largest economy in Canada by GDP).

Located on the Island of Montreal, as well as on smaller islands (including Ile Bizard).

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Best time to visit: from May to October.Summers are humid, while winters can get very cold (with frequent blizzards).

Arriving via airport: the airport shuttle costs $9.00, while regular public transport can get you to the city for just $3.00. A taxi from the airport will cost approximately $45.

WHERE TO STAY

Rue Sainte-Catherine (St. Catherine Street) is great for shopping and is close to Old Montréal. You can’t go wrong with accommodations near or within Chinatown, St. Denis, Sherbrooke and St. Laurent, walking distance to the city’s top tourist destinations. For more upscale and trendy hotels, try the city’s Old Port area.

GETTING AROUND

STM is Montréal’s public transit system. The STM includes buses, subway (Métro), Paratransit, senior shuttle bus and a taxi bus. A single ride is $3.00, which includes subway and bus (with transfers). Daily, weekly, and monthly passes are also available – a pass offers unlimited rides on subway and buses (including the airport bus).

Other nightlife areas: St. Catherine St. West, The Latin Quarter, and the Gay Village.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

Roam around through the Underground City, a giant complex filled with restaurants and shopping. With over 20 miles of tunnels, the also includes residential and office space. If you are visiting during the winter, this is a great place to take a break and warm up.

Check out the Olympic Park. Located in the heart of Montréal, this dome once held the 1976 Olympic Summer Games and now includes the Montréal Biodome, Insectarium, a municipal golf course and the Montréal Botanical Gardens.

The MontréalBotanicalGardens contain over 20,000 plant species in over 30 different (specialized) gardens. Two of the gardens include a full Japanese Garden and the largest Chinese Garden outside of Asia.

The Notre-DameBasilica is the city’s oldest church. Finished in 1656, it features an amazing interior of stained glass windows depicting scenes of the city over time.

The CanadianRailwayMuseum is a treat for any railroad enthusiast, featuring over 150 locomotives and railway cars/vehicles.

INTERESTING WALKS

The Old Port always makes for a great walk. Start at St. Paul, and continue to the old port along any of the streets.

Hike up Mont (Mount) Royal. This 200 hectare park sits on the mountain on Montreal Island, and boasts the highest spot in the city (234 meter elevation).

LOCAL WISDOM

Don’t forget that you’re in Quebec, and French is the official language. Even if you don’t know the language, try to learn a few key phrases. Locals will appreciate your effort. You will find that many residents actually speak English, and will switch over once they realize you’re not a local.

Where to find good cheap eats: just about anywhere! While in town, make sure to try the famous Montreal smokedham, as well as some authentic poutine.

Dangerous areas: while the city is generally safe, it is best to avoid the following areas (especially at night): Ontario Street East, St. Catherine East (except the Village), and the far east end of Montreal (past Papeneau).